Utah State’s Offense Defeats Defense In Spring Football Game
Apr 17, 2021, 7:50 PM
(Courtesy of Deseret News)
LOGAN, Utah – Utah State’s offense defeated the defense 53-46 in their spring football game under new head coach Blake Anderson.
Under Anderson, the spring game had a different scoring system. It was the offense against the defense with the offense getting seven points for a touchdown and extra point, just like in a normal football game. The way the defense scored points was in a unique scoring system. They would get seven points for a touchdown, five points for a turnover, three points for forcing a four-and-out with no punt, three points for a traditional three-and-out with a punt, two points for a defensive stop after the initial first down and two points for a safety.
The defense stopped the offense on the first six possessions of the spring game. Utah State’s offense regained the lead in the second quarter. The game was tied at 46 with time left for one last possession and the offense scored a touchdown from one-yard out by running back Cooper Jones.
“Clearly the defense started out better than the offense, I’m proud that they responded and likewise that the defense found a way to create some turnovers at the end,” said Blake Anderson. “I really can’t win today, I’m going to be mad at somebody either way. I didn’t like the turnovers, but the energy was good. The kids have been phenomenal all spring. We’re pushing them and asking a lot of them, but they’re just coming back every day with great attitudes, so I’m really pleased.”
Spring Game ✅
Thanks for all our fans for coming out today. We will see you in the fall!#AggiesAllTheWay pic.twitter.com/JLKsvT49tn
— USU Football (@USUFootball) April 18, 2021
In the spring game, the offense racked up 659 yards, 382 passing and 277 rushing. They scored seven touchdowns and committed just two turnovers. Andrew Peasley completed 16 of his 24 passing attempts for 234 yards, three touchdowns and one interception. Cooper Legas handled the most of the remaining quarterback reps, finishing with 132 yards and two touchdowns.
Wide receiver Deven Thompkins caught six passes for 121 yards and one touchdown. Arkansas State transfer Brandon Bowling had six receptions for 44 yards. Cooper Jones led the running backs with 94 yards and a TD, while John Gentry carried the ball 11 times for 72 yards.
That’s a wrap from #SpringGameSaturday‼️
🗣 @CHbanderson #AggiesAllTheWay pic.twitter.com/5X4nxZumRA
— USU Football (@USUFootball) April 17, 2021
Utah State will now take some time off before gearing up for summer workouts and fall camp. They will open the 2021 season on the road against Washington State on Saturday, September 4.